Hoarder House Flippers team transforms properties from derelict to dreamy

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/12/2024 (291 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Carla Arnason isn’t afraid of a fixer-upper — or even a downright dump.

“Those are the ones I like to hear about,” says the Winnipeg realtor.

Among her listings for turnkey houses and condos, Arnason has carved out a niche finding derelict properties for local flippers Heather and Nathan Porteous.

The long-standing business relationship has also blossomed into reality television fodder, with Arnason appearing alongside the siblings on Hoarder House Flippers — an extreme renovation show that sees teams in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec turning cluttered hovels into desirable, saleable homes.

The second season finale airs tonight at 8 p.m. on HGTV Canada, with all episodes available to stream on StackTV.

Heather and Nathan — who flip professionally in Winnipeg under the name Porteous Homes — have co-hosted the show since its inaugural season in 2022, bringing Arnason along as a trusted collaborator.

She never expected to share the spotlight, or be featured on one of her favourite channels.

“Not in a million years. I’ve always loved HGTV, I’ve always loved home design, (but) I never dreamt that I could be part of something like this,” Arnason says.

While Heather and Nathan do the heavy lifting — clearing out years of accumulated junk and turning dated spaces into profitable modern havens — Arnason is often involved in the offscreen purchase and sale of properties, and is seen giving live post-reno commentary.

“I pull up at the end and get to see the final product and they basically film my reaction of going through and saying, ‘Oh, wow,’ maybe too many times,” she says with a laugh.

“Oh, wow” has become Arnason’s accidental slogan this season, thanks to a frequently aired trailer featuring her uttering the phrase. Every time it’s on, she’ll get a barrage of texts and calls from friends and family (lovingly) poking fun.

It’s a running joke and minor source of embarrassment that speaks to the unplanned nature of reality TV. The first time Arnason arrived on set, she was given very few instructions.

“I met the producer and he was like, ‘OK, just walk down the street and you’re going to meet Heather and Nathan and just talk about the house. I didn’t know what the heck I was doing and I was nervous and giddy,” she recalls.

The nerves have calmed over the last two seasons of filming and the trio have fallen into their usual comfortable, jokey rhythm.

Beyond providing entertaining television, house flipping has become a booming local industry, says Arnason, who was born and raised in Winnipeg and has been a realtor in the city for the last decade.

“There’s a lot of flippers in the business now,” she says, adding there are more than enough homes locally in need of repair to satisfy growing demand.

However, people have gotten into it because they think it’s quick, easy money but that’s not always the case, she adds.

While improving previously unlivable properties can benefit neighbourhoods and add to the Winnipeg real estate market, cutting corners can have the opposite effect.

“You’ve got to do the work properly. Lots of times I’ll go into a property that’s been flipped and I will call myself a Debbie Downer when I’m looking with buyers, but they need to see these things — like if the baseboards weren’t put on properly or the countertops are off. Poor workmanship is a no-go for me,” Arnason says.

For those interested in getting into the flipping business, unglamorous but important details, such as pulling permits, can give potential buyers peace of mind and make homes easier to sell, Arnason says.

Updating kitchens, bathrooms and flooring, while sticking to a neutral colour palette, is also advised.

“Most people don’t want a pink kitchen. And people are busy, they just don’t have the time to spend updating their houses as much; they want turnkey, move-in ready,” Arnason says.

For Arnason, being involved in Hoarder House Flippers has been an exciting, unexpected career highlight and an opportunity to celebrate her hometown.

“I love this city and I just think it’s so amazing that we’re being featured on TV,” she says.

“I’m so proud that (HGTV Canada) is here and I’m so proud that I’m part of this.”

eva.wasney@winnipegfreepress.com